One of the most frustrating issues for Boise law enforcement has been the fact that though there is plenty of anecdotalevidence that hate crimes are on the rise, so far this year no hate crimes related to sexual orientation have been officially reported.

Victims in attendance were also able to share some of their own frustrations with Boise Police Department LGBTQ Liaison officer Janet Folwler.

Duane Quintana, a.l.p.h.a.’s Executive Director, says that Fowler had not realized the connection between the lack of protection in Idaho’s Human Right’s act for the LGBTQIA community and the lack of reporting a hate crime.

“I think she was able to see why a person might not want to file a police report in fear of outing themselves.” Says Quintana.

Reports to law enforcement are kept confidential but community organizers say the concern underscores the need for adding the words, “sexual orientation and gender identity” to the Act.

The group also discussed the need for a campaign to get the word out to Idaho’s LGBTQIA community that it’s important to report the crimes when they occur.

Also discussed during the meeting was the new Boise Loves facebook page, which not only focuses on supporting the LGBTQ community in the area of hate crimes but in other areas as well.

“We want it to be a page where people can share their positive action ideas as well as get inspired by others.” Says Quintina.

Quintana says he and others will be scheduling a meeting with the U.S. Attorney’s office and others to talk about the hate crime problem. He is also hoping for a followup meeting with the Mayor’s office, the first of which took place a few weeks ago.

“It’s really about educating everybody involved”, Quintana says. “From getting the LGBTQIA community to report the crimes to getting law renouncement to act on the reports, to making sure there are protections in place to create a safe enviorment for everybody.

You can report a hate crime in Boise by contacting Janet Lawler. Her number is 208 570 6224.

Outside of Boise you are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement office. You can also contact the Idaho State Police Department as well as the regional office of the FBI with any questions or concerns you might have regarding filing a hate crime report:

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